Wigan aiming to beat Celtic to signing of John McGinn

HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club that Wigan Athletic are hoping to win the race to sign St Mirren midfielder John McGinn on a free transfer this summer.

Wigan boss Gary Caldwell is keen to rebuild the squad at the DW Stadium in the wake of their relegation from the Championship, with a number of players expected to move on.

Wigan scouts are thought to have watched McGinn in action on numerous occasions this season, and they are now preparing a move for the Scotland Under-21 international.

Celtic have held a long-term interest in McGinn and where linked with a move for the midfielder in the January transfer window before they signed Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven from Dundee United.

However, Wigan are hopeful they will be able to lure the skilful midfielder to England as they look to make an immediate return to the second tier next season.

St Mirren are resigned to losing McGinn following their relegation from the Scottish Premiership and with the player out of contract this summer, the Buddies are likely to be unable to match the terms on offer south of the border.

McGinn was forced to miss the final few weeks of this season after being speared by a pole thrown by team-mate Steven Thompson in a training ground accident last month.